Graduation: What's Next?

Graduation is a very important time in the lives of students, families and faculty. The Alumni Association is proud to induct recent graduates into the UNM Alumni family at commencement. This year's spring commencement will take place on Friday December 15, 2017 at WisePies Arena aka The Pit.

The Schedule of Ceremonies, along with graduation details is available on UNM's website.

April, 2018

Grad Photos at The U!Tuesday, April 3, 2018, 5:30 to 8:30 pm MTWe’ll light the U RED for YOU! We will have a professional photographer available to take a free photo of our Spring 2018 grads in front of The U at Hodgin Hall Alumni Center. [ More information about the at The U! ]

Grad Photos at The U!Wednesday, April 4, 2018, 5:30 to 8:30 pm MTWe’ll light the U RED for YOU! We will have a professional photographer available to take a free photo of our Spring 2018 grads in front of The U at Hodgin Hall Alumni Center. [ More information about the at The U! ]

May, 2018

Grad Photos at The U!Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 5:30 to 8:30 pm MTWe’ll light the U RED for YOU! We will have a professional photographer available to take a free photo of our Spring 2018 grads in front of The U at Hodgin Hall Alumni Center. [ More information about the at The U! ]

UNM Graduation Dreamstyle ArenaSaturday, May 12, 2018, 9:00 am MTJoin us for UNM’s Spring 2018 Commencement ceremony. This ceremony will recognize graduates from all degree programs at all levels. Commencement this year will include the Installation of the 23rd President Garnett S. Stokes. [ More information about the Dreamstyle Arena ]

Graduation Traditions

The Ring Design:Show off the Lobo, Hodgin Hall, the Sandias and UNM with every handshake. UNM students and alumni collectively designed the ring. Included in the design are the Lobo, Hodgin Hall and the Sandia Mountains, with UNM engraved on top. The ring comes in five sizes, in your choice of traditional or antique. You may also add a red gem. We also offer a simple Signet ring, in three different sizes.

Why Hodgin Hall? The University’s first building, Hodgin Hall, opened in 1892. It was originally built of red brick with a pitched roof and arched windows. In 1908 the pitched roof and the fourth story were removed, the red brick stuccoed over, the arched windows squared off and the corners of the building rounded for a pueblo appearance. In 1971, the news of Hodgin Hall's scheduled destruction prompted alumni to rally for its preservation and restoration.

Charles Hodgin was a member of the University’s first graduating class (1894) who became head of the Education Department, then dean, and finally vice-president of the University. Today, Hodgin Hall houses the UNM Alumni Relations Office and the UNM Alumni Association.

Why the Lobo? The lobo was chosen as UNM's mascot – and the name of the school newspaper – in 1920. The student body agreed that "lobo," the Spanish word for wolf, embodied the campus spirit. "The lobo is respected for his cunning, feared for his prowess, and is the leader of the pack,” the Daily Lobo wrote. The lobo on the ring depicts the statue guarding the southwest corner of campus on Central and University.

Find the perfect fit, and more information, at Jostens.com. Alumni who have purchased previous UNM rings may be able to exchange them for new rings at a special rate. Contact Jostens at 1-800-854-7464 for more information.

The Thursday before the Winter and Spring graduations, we welcome new graduates to the UNM alumni family at the New Grad Bash. Along with wine, cheese and other finger foods, there is also live music and tons of door prizes. This event is a friendly way to become acquainted with other alumni and become a part of the group.

This year the New Grad Bash will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 at the Hodgin Hall Alumni Center. The Door Prize Give-Away includes: a UNM diploma frame, alumni gear and more! Winner must be present at the social to win. RSVP is required for this event.

The Alumni Association will prepare and print a free Mini Diploma for new graduates! This smaller (unofficial) version of your diploma lists your name and degree, and fits in your wallet. To ensure we mail your Mini Diploma to the correct address, please register for UNM Alumni Connect (opens in new window) and confirm that we have your current address.

Each year, UNM Golden Graduates – the class celebrating its 50th anniversary – are honored at The University of New Mexico Commencement. This special recognition began as a salute to alumni unable to participate in their own commencement ceremonies because of military service in WWII and the Korean Conflict.